BikerRN

OK All, here it is, as promised. At stake is a black IWB with no rake #1-1/2 Kramer Horsehide Holster, left handed, for the best answer to this question.

Please tell why a handmade holster is better than an off the shelf Holster from a mass maker.

I will determine the best answer. You may answer more than once, but if I determine your first answer is the best one and you then make another entry, the second answer negates your previous answer.

The Holster is slightly used and fits a Commander length 1911. I got it in a contest from Twin Carry, here on this forum. If you win it, and can't use it for one of your guns I'd ask you to keep the contest theme going.

I think it would be kind of fun to see how long we could keep it circulating, so to speak. Nothing says you have to keep the contest in the Holster section though. Just let us that frequent here know where the contest has been moved to on Defensive Carry.

Thanks all and have fun. I will pick the winner in one week from today.

Biker

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If I knew I was going to get in to a gunfight I most ceratinly wouln't bring a handgun or two, and I don't know any smart person that does.

sheepdog

I'm left handed, so I'm disqualified from the prize, but qualified to answer, I think-
Pride of ownership is #1. Less subjective is finish. Nothing I've seen from the factory beat the DelFatti or Alessi holsters I've had. Fit-I've never seen a factory holster that the gun "pops" into like a bench made one. It is almost like popping the gun into a Kydex holster.
One more thing...ever try to buy a factory holster that really FITS a one and a quarter inch gun belt, or do you have to be satisfied with one that "is kind of loose on the belt but works"? Haven't tried in a while, but darn sure couldn't some time back!

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What Would Gumby Do?

BikerRN

No you're not.

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If I knew I was going to get in to a gunfight I most ceratinly wouln't bring a handgun or two, and I don't know any smart person that does.

Kerbouchard

A handmade holster has a lot more time put into it. The custom holster maker will also work with you for your needs, and is likely to get a lot of custom problems that the mass makers will not. When he gets a lot of the same types of requests, he can incorporate it into his design, therefore making the entire holster better.

Even a good custom holster maker knows he will never be able to sell the kind of volume that the 'off the shelf' guys can move, so he knows he has to do it with quality and word of mouth. There is a reason why there are 2 or 3 names in the business that constantly come up as great leather makers. There is also a reason why they have such long lead times. They are in demand, and they are in demand because their products work, are comfortable, incredibly concealable, and are pretty impressive to look at, too.

While they may not be the best businessmen, the small custom holster maker provides a product like no other. A piece of leather that is perfectly mated to your carry piece and with a thousand small details that he takes pride in, and that the wearer can take pride in, too.

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Paco

Simple...

1. They look better
2. They have the heart of the maker stitched in.
3. They last longer, eventually making them a much better investment

1 answer, 3 parts.

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"Don't hit at all if you can help it; don't hit a man if you can possibly avoid it; but if you do hit him, put him to sleep." - Theodore Roosevelt

If you are not willing to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them!

-Paco

bluelineman

The quality of the craftsmanship is MUCH better. They tend to pay attention to every little detail. From the stitching to the edges. I would also think that they are more in tune with what people are looking for since they are more likely to talk/email people personally.

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CorpsVet

A handmade holster is more likely to be an exact fit for your weapon and therefor will provide maximum accesabliity while at the same time provide retention until the time comes to draw the weapon.

While usually more expensive than an "off the shelf" product, a handmade holster is likely to be more durable and less likely to lose it shape over time.

In general, the handmade holster is the better investment.

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If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he will sit in a boat and drink beer.

gilliland87

The craftsmanship that is hopefully evident in every last detail, stiching to leather selection. The fit and finish. and the knowledge that i am supporting a craftsman in his trade.

FlyboyLDB

When you have a custom holster on your hip - your gun now has a permanent home that fits the carrier and the gun perfectly. Now you can have your holster and wear it too.

semperfi.45

Because a real cowboy has a five dollar horse and a forty dollar saddle.

I don't have a 1911, so I'll pass. Nice GAW.

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My art is different from yours; it consists not in defeating others, but in not being defeated.